Confirmed Case of Shingles

Dear Parents and Carers

The College has been advised of a confirmed case of Shingles.  Below is information about Shingles from the NSW Department of Health:

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. You can only get shingles if you have had chickenpox in the past.

The shingles rash develops into painful blisters that may also be itchy, usually on one side of the body, either on the face, chest, back, abdomen or pelvis. They can take several weeks to settle. In 1 in 10 people, the pain and tingling of shingles can last for months or even years. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia.

School or home?
Keep home from school for 5 days from the onset of the rash and the blisters have dried.

High Risk Groups

Pregnant women and anyone with a compromised immune system (e.g. due to cancer or certain treatments) may require preventive treatment and/or exclusion for their own protection.  Contact your GP or local public health unit for advice.

How can I help prevent spread?

The best way to prevent your child contracting Chicken Pox is to have them immunised. Immunise your child at 18 months of age against chickenpox. Immunisation is recommended for children at 12 years if they are not immune.

Further Information ...

For further information please visit http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/chickenpox.aspx

or see the attached flyer.